Recovery and rehabilitation
Once you return home, you may need to continue to take your painkillers if this is advised by your surgeon. You will need to take some time to adjust – so don’t feel guilty about relaxing. Swelling is common after ankle surgery so try to elevate your leg/ foot when resting, preferably above the level of your heart. Bathing is obviously important, but you must take special precautions to ensure that you do not get your plaster wet – protect the ankle from water by wrapping it in plastic over the dressing.
It is important to do some level of activity as well though, just be careful not to overdo it – follow your surgeon’s or physiotherapist’s advice. Take great care during the first eight to twelve weeks in particular to avoid potentially damaging your ankle. You must be patient and not try to test your new joint too soon.
Initially you will tire more easily, set aside a rest period each afternoon. You should contact your doctor immediately in the case of any undue pain, severe redness around the operation site or weeping from the wound. Walking is possible with a walker or crutches, although take great care not to put any weight on your ankle for the first six weeks (or until the time specified by your surgeon).
You will need to wear a plaster or brace until the cuts in the bones have healed, at which time you will need to return to the clinic for X-ray. How soon you can expect casts to be removed will vary according to the type of operation, but as a general guide you may expect for your ankle to remain in plaster for six weeks after an ankle replacement (followed by a further six weeks in a removable aircast splint); or three months (minimum) in plaster after an ankle fusion (maybe longer if X-rays do not show sufficient evidence of bone fusion).
It is very important that you continue with your range-of-motion exercises, as specified by your physiotherapist, as these are a vital part of your rehabilitation.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
